Related

Article

Ribery retires from international football

France winger Franck Ribery has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old Bayern Munich star revealed his decision in an interview with German magazine Kicker on Wednesday, bringing to an end his eight-year international career.

The news comes after Ribery was forced to miss France's run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup due to a back injury that flared up during the 1998 world champions' preparations for the tournament in Brazil.

Ribery burst onto the international scene in 2006 and registered one goal and an assist as France reached the final of the World Cup in Germany, only to suffer heartbreak in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.

In total, Ribery won more than 80 caps for his country and scored 16 goals, featuring at four major tournaments for France.

But, after witnessing a young France side catch the eye with a strong showing in South America, Ribery has now decided the time is right to call it a day on the international scene.

He said: "I have experienced highs and lows in the national team, but it's time for me to dedicate myself to my family, Bayern Munich, and make way for the many great young players arriving in France team.

"One has to know when to stop. I've seen so much; now it is time for others to move forward.

"There were ups and downs, but now the time has come for a new chapter in my life."